What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cheater
Example
He was caught cheating during the exam by looking at his neighbor's paper. [cheating: present participle]
Example
She is known as a cheater because she always finds a way to win, even if it means bending the rules. [cheater: noun]
swindler
Example
The swindler convinced the elderly couple to invest their life savings in a fake business scheme. [swindler: noun]
Example
She realized she had been swindled when she received a counterfeit product after paying a large sum of money. [swindled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cheater is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. It is a versatile word that can be applied to various situations involving dishonesty. Swindler, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts related to financial fraud or scams.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cheater and swindler?
In terms of formality, cheater is generally considered more informal, while swindler can be used in both formal and informal situations. Swindler is a more specific term that is often associated with legal or financial matters, making it suitable for formal discussions or writing.